Usage of 按照
The word 按照 is a preposition commonly used to indicate that an action or decision is made based on a certain standard, rule, or source. It translates as "according to" and is often followed by nouns such as rules, laws, contracts, instructions, or requests.
Common contexts
It is frequently used in formal or semi-formal contexts, such as workplace instructions, legal documents, or guidelines. For example, 按照合同 (according to the contract) or 按照规定 (according to the regulations).
Collocations and patterns
- 按照 + 规定/规则/法律: to indicate compliance with rules or laws.
- 按照 + 要求/指示: to follow requests or instructions.
- 按照 + 时间/计划: to follow a schedule or plan.
Nuances
Using 按照 implies that the speaker emphasizes adherence to an external standard or authority. It is more formal than similar expressions like 根据, which can also mean "according to" but is slightly more neutral and versatile.
Common confusion
Avoid confusing 按照 with 依照, which is very similar but 依照 is often used in legal or official contexts, while 按照 is more general. Also, 按照 is not used to mean "by means of" or "via"; for those meanings, other words like 通过 are used.